Wisconsin Ag Connection - Rare Red Beetle Found in Marathon County

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Rare Red Beetle Found in Marathon County
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/27/2014

A bright red beetle whose young eat lilies, look like slugs, and wrap themselves in their own excrement has shown up in Marathon County. The state's agriculture department says this is the first time this pest has been found in Wisconsin or in any state farther west than Ohio.

Brian Kuhn, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, says the bug poses an economic threat to horticulturists and an environmental threat to native lilies.

"We're asking residents to check lilies and fritillaries for the adult beetles or for their larvae, and to take steps to control them and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the state," Kuhn said. "You can pick them from infested plants by hand, or use one of the insecticides labeled for use on ornamental plants and available in garden centers and hardware stores."

Kuhn adds that Wisconsin nursery owners and gardeners should be on the lookout for the distinctive red lily leaf beetle.

To date, the pest has been confirmed at a nursery and about a dozen home gardens in Marathon County, particularly in Kronenwetter, Mosinee and Rothschild. There is also an unconfirmed report from Marshfield.

Other Wisconsin Headlines